The last Distance Learning Forum of the year is coming very soon!

The Distance Learning Forums are a chance for staff involved in any aspect of distance education to network, share good practice and to discuss ideas and issues of relevance to distance learning.

Sharing practice, tackling issues and networking are primary goals! And that involves all aspects of teaching and administration.

The approach in each session is low-key, informal and conversational. 😁

While topics are generally targeted to either administration or teaching matters, anyone involved in distance learning in any way is welcome to come to any of the sessions.

We usually hold separate Forums: one that focusses on administrative matters and the other on teaching matters.

For the last Forum of this year, there will be a combined event and we will approach it quite differently from our usual Zoom get-together.

You will be aware that invitation for feedback on the University's Vision 2040 is open. This important document will set the scene for the next 20 years and so is key to the future of all aspects of our work. For distance education it is of particular importance! 

Are the University's vision and imperatives for Excellence in Teaching the foundational ideas that will help distance education to thrive in the future?

This is the question that will form the topic for discussion at the next combined Distance Learning Forum.

• A Discussion Board forum will be set up on the Shifting online site in Blackboard and will invite comment and discussion on the University's Vision 2040 document. (If you are not registered as a "student" in this Blackboard paper, please contact the Distance Learning Office.)
• The forum will be open from 9am Monday, 16th November and will be shut down at 5pm on Thursday 19th November.
• A series of provocations and questions will be the prompts to start the discussion going.
• Whenever you get a few minutes during the week, pop onto the discussion forum, read the posts, and add then your own!

In addition to assisting the Distance Learning Office to coordinate a joint submission on the Vision 2040 draft, the Forum discussion may assist you with your individual submission.